Ronnie de Mel no more

27 February 2024 10:06 pm - 26 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 27 (Daily Mirror) - Ronnie de Mel who was instrumental in introducing the open economy in Sri Lanka in 1978, passed away at the age of 99 today.

He introduced the open economy in Sri Lanka after becoming the Finance Minister of late President J.R. Jayewardene’s Cabinet in 1977.

Late Mr. de Mel is the longest serving Finance Minister in the country and one who has presented the most number of budgets from 1977 to 1987.

He began politics joining the Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP) and later crossed over to the United National Party (UNP).

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Comments - 26

True Lankan Tuesday, 27 February 2024 10:27 PM

Because of his vision and the guidance of JR that we have a good life today and I am able to make this online comment. Otherwise Sri Lankans would be living a low grade life like Cubans and North Koreans. Because of open economy we are able to access the most advanced technology, various kid of food, clothes, fashion etc. RIP

Anura Jayantha Tuesday, 27 February 2024 10:43 PM

Today's generation should learn from these crooks..they have no people in their interests only their party and those who fund the party..

Farieze Tuesday, 27 February 2024 11:02 PM

The best politician without corruption. He eased the queues

Crook of Crooks Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:30 AM

No corruption. Who owns the MD factory at Narahenpita?

ACHILDOFGOD Tuesday, 27 February 2024 11:11 PM

MAY HIS SOUL R.I.P. DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY.

Simon maama Tuesday, 27 February 2024 11:44 PM

RIP

pantha kumaran Tuesday, 27 February 2024 11:53 PM

Great man. He worked for the betterment of our country. Today we have nobody like his calibre. God bless him. Rest him in peace.

RONNIE DE MEL , RIP Wednesday, 28 February 2024 12:02 AM

40 YEARS LATER, OPEN ECONOMY IS STILL NOT MOVE.

Patriot Wednesday, 28 February 2024 12:33 AM

RIP

Harini Amarasuriya Wednesday, 28 February 2024 12:38 AM

Persons who became billionaires at the expense of the ordinary people.

Zak Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:08 AM

He was already a rich person due to family heritage. Get your facts right. Unlike the current lot who ride a push bike to parliament and end up super rich like rajapakse’s

N.N.Perera Wednesday, 28 February 2024 02:14 AM

I can remember Mr. Ronnie De Mel as government official never forgot his national roots when "Kalu Suddhas" were the norm for the Senior Government officials in Sri Lanka. He played his part in our political history good and bad. However, he was a good human being.

An Octogenarian family friend Wednesday, 28 February 2024 05:59 AM

Iam truly sad as I knew him closely from his days in the civil service which was scrapped by an arrogant man who could not find any of them bootlicking. He had the gumption to tell the high class civil servants that he only wanted domestic servants. The results are seen today. Ronnie was brilliant and something I knew firsthand hand I hasten to mention. When in the US as Min Fin he sought an interview with Mc Namara the President of the World Bank. His PA reached the Secy and was informed that no appointment was possible for two weeks. When told that the Min Fin of SL needed to meet him as he will be leaving the next day the Secy had informed him and he had given ten minutes. When Ronnie met him Mc Namara had kept him for over one hour. This reflected how Mc Namara picked his brain. May his journey through Samsara be short and finally attain the Supreme Bliss of NIBBANA. Another colossus gone to the great beyond.

gunadasa Wednesday, 28 February 2024 06:11 AM

He taught the others to go around worldwide with the TIN in hand for a penny.

Kps Wednesday, 28 February 2024 06:19 AM

Rip Mr. Minister.

Be Fair Wednesday, 28 February 2024 07:41 AM

Cant recall he engaging in Politics after his retirement. Rest in Peace. Perhaps on of the best compared to the lot today

Mandayan Wednesday, 28 February 2024 09:23 AM

Had the JRJ with farsighted stopped the 1983 violences against the minority, the country wouldn’t have been in the bankrupred state today. SL is paying for his arrogant stupidity. Had he been the Singapore Lee??? M…mmmm

Jude Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:12 AM

Renowned Pole vault jumper

Jude Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:17 AM

Guy hadda knack of predicting winner and joining the government!! Switching allegiance came naturally to him!!

Jude Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:18 AM

Didn't want to leave Coz this was like heaven to him.

Jabila Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:26 AM

Best ever Finance Minister from Sri Lanka.

Sunil Palliyaguru Wednesday, 28 February 2024 12:11 PM

We helped to establish Ruhuna university and show many children life. RIP

Cheers Wednesday, 28 February 2024 03:08 PM

Rest in peace and deepest sympathies to the family

Patcitz Wednesday, 28 February 2024 08:43 PM

Mr. CROSS crisscrossing the most in his lifetime than any other appreciation deserved for him to be reminded. He may also be remembered as Mr. RUBBISH BIN.

Patcitz Wednesday, 28 February 2024 08:44 PM

One of the WORST politicians of the ERA in Sri Lanka's history. The promised HELL is ready, we believe.

Ceylonese Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:41 AM

Not sure whether he was corrupt, but he could have done much more, probably he would have done something better had PSYCHO JRJ wasn't there.

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Ronnie de Mel no more

Comments - 26

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